Tips on helping children overcome Toddler Separation Anxiety

No matter how flattering it is to know that your children need you desperately, you still want to help them through this emotional time in their life.

Some of the following suggestions might help you and your children adjust to the time you have to spend away from each other, whether that time is an hour or two or a few days:

• Don’t sneak away: Even though this might make it easier for you, it won't be easier on your toddlers. Let them see you leave, even if it is through tears! If you continue to sneak off, they’ll become even more worried that you might disappear at any time, making it difficult for you to walk from one room of your house to another!
• Encourage your child to have a "lovey": a transitional object, such as a blanket or stuffed toy that she can hold onto...in other words, a security blanket
• Shorter Breaks: If you know you're going to be gone for a longer than normal period, help your children work up to that separation by taking shorter breaks away from them
• If you are using a new babysitter, be sure you have the sitter come early so that you and your children can spend some time together before you leave.